Iraqi Government Launches New Mosul Operation

COALITION

Updated Apr. 11, 2017 4:04PM ET / Published Feb. 19, 2017 7:51AM ET

Zohra Bensemra/Reuters

The Iraqi government on Sunday announced the launch of a new operation aimed at re-taking western Mosul from ISIS. The government air-dropped leaflets in the city to inform the remaining fighters that a new offensive was about to begin. “This is your last opportunity to quit your work with ISIS and to leave those foreigners who are in your homeland. Stay at home, raising the white flags as the forces approach,” the leaflet reads. The less populous eastern part of the city was taken back from ISIS in January. Troops will likely enter the western half of the city on foot due to narrow streets, making them susceptible to suicide attacks. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi called on soldiers “to move bravely forward to liberate what is left of the city.” As many as 350,000 children are believed to be trapped in western Mosul.